TExES PPR EC-12 (160): Format, Passing Score and Time 2026
November 2, 2026 · Alex S. · reviewed by Hana N., Quality Reviewer · how we write
The TExES PPR EC-12 (160) has 100 selected-response questions and 4 hours 45 minutes of testing time. The passing score is 240 on a scale of 100 to 300, and the fee is $116.
The TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (160) exam has 100 selected-response questions and 4 hours 45 minutes of testing time. The passing score is 240 on a scale of 100 to 300, and the fee is $116. It covers teaching practice rather than a school subject.
Preparing for the TExES PPR EC-12 (160)? Take a free readiness test and see which topics to study first. Or see the TExES PPR EC-12 (160) study guide.
Thirteen competencies in four domains
| Domain | Approximate weight | Competencies |
|---|---|---|
| I. Designing Instruction and Assessment to Promote Student Learning | 34% | 4 |
| II. Creating a Positive, Productive Classroom Environment | 13% | 2 |
| III. Implementing Effective, Responsive Instruction and Assessment | 33% | 4 |
| IV. Fulfilling Professional Roles and Responsibilities | 20% | 3 |
Domains I and III together make up about two thirds of the exam, and both are about instruction and assessment: planning it and then delivering it. Classroom environment is the smallest domain at 13%, but its two competencies cover climate, fairness, and managing student behavior.
Where technology shows up
Domain III is the only domain whose assessed standards include the Technology Applications standards (I through VII) in addition to the pedagogy standards. Competency 009 asks how the teacher uses technology to plan, organize, deliver and evaluate instruction. If you skip technology as a topic, you leave part of a 33% domain unprepared.
Why so many candidates take it
TEA's required-test chart (May 2024 edition) lists the 160 PPR EC-12 as the pedagogy test next to content exams for many certificates, from art to computer science, and in many rows it appears with an edTPA as the other route. Which of the two applies to you depends on your certificate and your educator preparation program, so ask your program before you register.
A test with a possible replacement date
TEA's T-TEP notice (updated October 2025) says the Texas Test of Educator Proficiency is scheduled to launch in September 2027. It is a performance-based assessment, and pending action by the State Board for Educator Certification, it would replace the PPR as the required pedagogy assessment for standard certification. TEA says the price and the implementation policy are not yet set. If your plans cross that date, check TEA's page for the current status before you pay for the 160.
Reading your score report
You get a Passed or Not Passed status and your total scaled score. Most reports also show how many scored questions you answered correctly in each domain and competency. Those counts are informational only, because domains and competencies have no passing scores. Counts built on fewer than 10 questions are not reliable. The exam may include questions that do not count, and the scaled score is based only on scored questions.
Time, retakes and approvals
The appointment is 5 hours: a 15-minute tutorial and compliance agreement, then 4 hours 45 minutes of testing, about 2 minutes 51 seconds per question on average (simple division). If you are in an educator preparation program, your program must approve each attempt, and Texas lets you retake an exam after 30 days. Five attempts are allowed in total.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the TExES PPR EC-12 (160)?
There are 100 selected-response questions. Some may not count toward your score.
What is the passing score for the PPR 160?
240, on a scale of 100 to 300.
Is the PPR being replaced?
TEA's October 2025 notice says T-TEP is scheduled to launch in September 2027 and, pending SBEC action, would replace the PPR as the required pedagogy assessment for standard certification.
How much does the PPR 160 cost?
$116. Additional fees may apply.
Which domain has the most questions?
Domain I, Designing Instruction and Assessment to Promote Student Learning, at about 34%, just ahead of Domain III at about 33%.
Official sources
- TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (160): official exam page
- TExES 160 preparation manual: overview and exam framework
- Pearson Texas: understanding your exam results
- Pearson Texas: retake policy and attempt limit
- Texas Education Agency: Texas Test of Educator Proficiency (T-TEP) notice
- Texas Education Agency: Required Test Chart for Texas Certification (May 2024)
- Texas Education Agency: educator certification exams
Checked against the sources above on November 2, 2026. Exam bodies change fees and rules: confirm on the official page before you register.